Return to: Graduate Majors (A-Z)

Priority Admission Application Deadlines:  www.grad.usf.edu/majors

For best consideration and to be considered for a GA position, apply by the posted Priority deadline.

Contact Information

College: Arts and Sciences
Department: Psychology
Contact Information: www.grad.usf.edu/majors

The M.A. degree program in Psychological Sciences is designed for students who are seeking re-specialization in the field of psychology and/or intensive research experience as preparation for pursuit of advanced doctoral study in Psychology.

The program provides study of biological, social, developmental and cognitive bases of health and human behavior, with concentrated emphasis on how adjustment in these realms serves as the platform for later health and chronic disease outcomes. The program also cultivates advanced competence in research methodology required to interpret and evaluate applied   research
data . For students in both thesis and non-thesis options, elective courses in the domains of experimental and applied psychology, health psychology, infant-family mental health, cultural competence, and other basic and applied areas round out coursework requirements for the degree. Students on the thesis track also complete an empirical master’s thesis.

As a program graduate, you will be:

• Positioned to assume human service and clinical health research positions demanding advanced competencies in research methodology; data tracking, collection, and analysis; and grant writing associated with graduate training;
• Eligible for teaching positions at high schools and at 2- and 4-year colleges or universities at (1000/2000 level coursework) with the required 18 hours of graduate work in psychology; and/or
• Competitive for admission to top doctoral programs through the receipt of the foundational content and research courses built into the first year of the M.A. curriculum coupled with a    thesis option that will provide intensive experience in a nationally-recognized program of faculty research as job prospects in Psychology will always remain best for people holding doctoral degrees in applied specialties such as counseling or health.

Accreditation:
Clinical Program accredited by the American Psychological Association, Psychological Clinical Sciences Accreditation System, and member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science.

Admission Information

Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below. 

• Minimum GRE score of 151 Verbal, 150 quantitative, and a 4.0 on the writing subsection.
• Undergraduate Introduction to Psychology, Statistics, and Research Methods classes are required.
• A 1000-word statement of intent for seeking an M.A. in Psychological Sciences, including discussion of: your academic background; the specific scholarly issues of which you have interest; how your background has prepared you to excel in the Psychological Sciences M.A. program; and how you intend to apply your education when you complete the M.A. program.
• Three (3) letters of recommendation from qualified people familiar with the nature of the work required of graduate students in the social sciences, and who can address your ability to excel in graduate work.
• Two (2) examples of professional or academic writing; one (1) academic writing sample must be a research paper at least five pages in length in APA writing style.